Children's Home run by Stoke-on-Trent City Council in Stoke-on-Trent

This monitoring visit

The home was last inspected on 28 September 2015 and judged inadequate. 27 regulatory shortfalls were identified. There were significant concerns across a number of areas including; missing from care, risk assessment, support to young people, the admissions process, education, joint working with other agencies, sufficiency of staffing and staff recruitment. There were also shortfalls in relation to management oversight, the quality of the independent person’s reports and the home’s statement of purpose.

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This monitoring visit

Since the last inspection, the registered manager has been away from the home and a senior manager has taken day-to-day charge. She is experienced and suitably qualified.

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This monitoring visit

The acting manager has made satisfactory progress and has taken swift action to address the majority of the shortfalls identified. At the time of this monitoring visit, no young people are residing in the home. The acting manager has focused on supporting young people in their transitions to other homes. She has taken steps to develop the staff team. Processes/structures within the home are more effective. This improves the quality of the service for young people admitted in the future.

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This monitoring visit

All staff have received training in key areas. As a result, staff skills and awareness have improved, particularly in relation to helping young people who run away or are at risk of child sexual exploitation. This better prepares them to support young people and keep them safe. Staff are reflective about their learning and comment positively about other changes, one member of staff stating, ‘there are many new things…things are better.’

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This monitoring visit

The home is currently considering referrals for new young people. The admissions process is vastly improved. The acting manager consults a range of other professionals and ensures staff are fully involved before a decision is taken whether the home can meet the young person’s needs. This improvement protects young people. It ensures their needs are adequately assessed, risks are identified, and that the help and support they need is in place before they move to the home. This includes the support they need in relation to their education and their emotional well-being.

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This monitoring visit

The acting manager has addressed shortfalls in staff recruitment. Missing information has been found and the home has implemented an improved recording system. This ensures that all of the required checks are in place prior to staff beginning employment. This helps to protect young people from potentially unsafe adults who may wish to work in their home.

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This monitoring visit

Management oversight is improved. The acting manager is aware of the home’s weaknesses. A robust action plan is helping to drive improvement. In addition, the home is working with the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board to complete a full review of a previous young person’s experiences while living in the home. The review is in its infancy, the effectiveness and impact is yet to be seen.

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Information about this children's home

The home provides care and accommodation for up to 2 children with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. The home is managed by a Local Authority.

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

No new requirements were identified at this inspection N/A

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to monitor the action taken and the progress made by the home since their last Ofsted inspection. This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team,

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Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

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Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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